The Discovery VP Automated system is
entirely the result of user-required features and control options.
The program was created by a customer based on what he and his
group wanted from an HPLC system: queue based sample submission,
basic gradient profiles, automatic report printing, and a simple
interface that anyone could walk up to and understand how to use,
but was structured behind the scenes by a designated Administrator.
As more systems were sold, other customers contributed to both
the system functionality and design of its user interface to give
Discovery VP more flexibility and make it even easier to use. All
suggestions from customers are evaluated for possible inclusion
in future software versions, and dedicated programmers constantly
work to improve its functionality. Several system protect features
are built into the program to minimize downtime and protect samples.
E-mail notification or a text message to a cell phone or pager
can alert users when runs are complete, and numerous system and
sample logs are available to the System Administrator as monthly
reports.
Highlights of the Discovery VP system are listed below. Visit
the Analytical and Preparative system
pages to explore the unique features of each.
Features
Queue-based Sample Submission
The Discovery VP software has a simple interface for sample submission.
Users add samples to the run queue on a first come, first served
basis. The 'walk-up, walk-away' design allows busy chemists to
focus on their primary tasks instead of assembling and configuring
an HPLC system .
Gradient Profiles
Samples can be run isocratically, with a simple linear gradient,
or with a 'complex' multi-step gradient for more challenging
separations. Discovery VP will flush and equilibrate the column
before every run so you are assured of column integrity and stability
before sample injection. click for picture
Automatic Report Printing
Shimadzu´s CLASS-VP data acquisition software runs in the
background to collect analog signal from multiple detectors such
as UV, RID, ELSD, and MS. The printed report is totally customizable
to display desired run information. PDA systems yield spectral
information about compounds, and individual chromatograms from
multiple wavelengths can be included with their own run reports.
Simple Interface
Users will access the Method Builder screen to add one or more
samples to the run queue with only a few mouse clicks. Anyone
can intuitively create a new method or select from a directory
of stored methods. Control options for all system components
are on a single page, and a Sequence Preview screen allows for
a final check of run parameters.
Administrator
The System Administrator controls the 'behind the scenes' operational
parameters for Discovery VP. In password-protected menu options,
the Administrator identifies the hardware present, establishes
column identity and limitations for flow rate, solvents, etc.,
configures the network interface for email, and manages a number
of other options for setting up the system. The administrator
receives notification from Discovery VP about any system abnormalities
interfering with operation, and monthly status reports on system
usage.
Customers Contributed
Customer input from 'real world' situations gives all users practical
functions that simplify operation and make Discovery VP a powerful
tool for method development and day-to-day operation by multiple
users. Some features that came directly from customer requests
are: 10 column capacity with solvent selection in Analytical
mode, a 'default' method for columns to store frequently used
run conditions, standby mode when the system is not running samples
for quick startup and equilibration, a stacked plot report to
overlay and compare multiple chromatograms, and control of the
ELSD-LT and Shimadzu´s mass spectrometer for HPLC.
Future Software Versions
The Discovery VP software is constantly being updated and improved
to meet the needs of a wide variety of customers. Shimadzu is
committed to providing solutions for scientific challenges, and
feedback from users results in new features for system ruggedness
and ease of use.
System Protect Features
If the system is unattended, precautions are in place to handle
situations such as column overpressure, full fraction collectors,
unstable baseline, and many others. Discovery VP will pause the
sample queue and stop solvent flow, display a message on the
screen, and send an email to the Administrator to check the system.
After Administrator intervention, Discovery VP resumes the sample
queue.
E-mail notification
On a networked computer, Discovery VP will email users or send
a text message to a pager or cell phone when runs are complete
so analysts can quickly respond to samples that require immediate
attention. The System Administrator receives email notification
when Discovery VP requires intervention to reset the fraction
collectors, check the detector for an unstable baseline, resolve
a system overpressure, etc.
System and Sample Logs
Discovery VP sends a monthly email to the System Administrator
that details system activity and column usage. This allows the
Administrator to track and replace columns that approach the
recommended limit for lifetime injections. click for picture
Enabling Technology for the Pharmaceutical Industry
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Analytical to Preparative Scale-Up
